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What Is The Difference Between Folic Acid And L-Methyl Folate?
Question: hi whats the difference between taking folic acid that shows up in my blood tests as low, and taking L- methylfolate which I was given after I did a brain DNA test , one that specifically tests the Folic Acid dna ?
Brief Answer:
They are parts of same metabolic pathway
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.
The folic acid that we take is actually a synthetic version of Vitamin B9 which is essential for proper cell division. L-methyl folate is another synthetic supplement which is easier to metabolize.
Folic acid needs to be metabolized into methyl tetrahydrofolate.
L-methylfolate is already there as a partially processed form of folic acid for those who lack the ability break down Folic Acid on their own. There is a four-step process needed to break down Folic Acid into L-methylfolate.
Folic Acid > Dihydrofolate > Tetrahydrofolate > 5, 10 Methylene THF > L-methylfolate
Folic acid or L-methylfolate are essential for DNA synthesis. There is nothing called folic acid DNA.
I hope that I have been able to clear your doubts.
Feel free to write back in case of further queries.
Regards
They are parts of same metabolic pathway
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.
The folic acid that we take is actually a synthetic version of Vitamin B9 which is essential for proper cell division. L-methyl folate is another synthetic supplement which is easier to metabolize.
Folic acid needs to be metabolized into methyl tetrahydrofolate.
L-methylfolate is already there as a partially processed form of folic acid for those who lack the ability break down Folic Acid on their own. There is a four-step process needed to break down Folic Acid into L-methylfolate.
Folic Acid > Dihydrofolate > Tetrahydrofolate > 5, 10 Methylene THF > L-methylfolate
Folic acid or L-methylfolate are essential for DNA synthesis. There is nothing called folic acid DNA.
I hope that I have been able to clear your doubts.
Feel free to write back in case of further queries.
Regards
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Answered by
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